The wedding was hasty, for Evie had insisted she wanted to be part of the wedding before they left for Cavalon Castle in just two days. As a result, the whole clan pulled together to transfer the hilltop on the border of MacKenzie lands. Where Amhuinn often wandered to either enjoy the rare sun in the Highlands or just to gather the herbs she would need, now a large constructed arch stood on the top. The men had used twine to tie them together, while Gillian had hunted for flowers to decorate the arch with. Evie had wanted to help, but Connor had been adamant about her not spending too much time outside. As such, she ended up working with Mrs O'Leary in the kitchen as they worked on the wedding luncheon to be served.
Father Simmons was quickly summoned, and he arrived the morning itself, having been two clans away. Hammond had sent his fastest stallion to fetch the travelling pastor. Amhuinn never met the pastor before she stood before him at the altar though, for the exact moment Father Simmons arrived, she was ensconced within her room within the Keep, being fussed over by Mrs. Griselda, Gillian and Innes, while Evie sat on the bed with her palm laid flat on her stomach. Both Gillian and Evie were dressed in their best dresses. Gillian had worn her kilt around her waist as a second skirt around her maroon skirts securing it with a leather belt, while Evie had wrapped the MacKenzie tartan around her shoulders.
As Innes wound her blonde hair into a plaited chignon, Gillian raised her brows as she noticed Amhuinn wringing her fingers in her lap. Her blue eyes clearly reflected her anxiety. "Yer anxious." the young redhead stated with a pointed look.
Amhuinn looked up with a sheepish smile. "I canna lie, I am."
"Och, the laird will treat ye well Mistress. Laird MacKenzie is as kind and as responsible as his faither afore him. The lands flourish under their care. Ye dinna have ter fash fer naught." Mrs. Griselda tried to calm. The elder house keeper gathered the sheets, and then motioned at Innes as the maid finished pushing in the final stalk of wildflower in Amhuinn's hair.
"I ken Mrs. Griselda, but tis just... Nerves, I guess." Amhuinn replied. The elder lady laughed, and winked at Amhuinn.
"Dinna worry lassie, ye will enjoy yerself. Especially yer wedding night. Gods tooth, plenty of the lasses in the Keep have been eyeing him. Ye will have yer hands full trying ter fend off the lassies."
Mrs. Griselda walked off with a laugh, obviously teasing. Gillian being as astute as ever however, noted the uneasy look that slipped into Amhuinn's gaze at the housekeeper's words, and immediately took the blonde's hands in hers, giving it a squeeze. "Mrs. Griselda's teasing, but she is true on one thing. Ye have nae ter worry aboot. Hammond has ne'er dallied with any of the maids afore."
"Tis true, Ammi." Evie spoke up from the bed. "Even when he fancied himself with Amelia back at home, he never touched a hair on her body, especially not after Amelia had fended him off."
"Wh-Why didn't yer Amelia fancy Hammond, though?" Amhuinn asked, realizing now that she was curious on all of Hammond's past. A part of her chest gripped at the idea that he had actually been enamored by another female before her, yet Amhuinn also recognized how ridiculous it would be if she demanded that he had a clean slate before her. She didn't have one, so how could she demand it from him?
"Amelia had been married before, but her husband had passed on years before she met Hammond. My cousin was very similar in looks and character to her deceased husband, but Amelia thought it unfair if she had led Hammond on further, for then he would just be a replacement for her husband. She didn't want to further any dalliance." Evie explained. "But she has a husband now who cares for her, and I think Amelia truly loves her too."
Amhuinn fell silent, as her thoughts ran a mile a minute in her head. Only when Gillian spoke, did she look up, breaking her train of thoughts. "The point is, Hammond is a good man. He will provide fer ye in any way ye would need, and more. Besides," she straightened up with a grin. "I would enjoy having ye as my sister. Someone can make sure my brither doesnae get in trouble fer me now, so I can spend more time in my workshop."
"Ye sound like yer hiring a babysitter, nae a sister." she replied with a laugh, thankful for the presence of the two.
"Now, tis time, so come let's put the kilt on ye, then we best get going." Gillian reminded.
In a flash, the two women finished off her dressing by pinning the final touch of the kilt on her waist. Due to time constraint (in which Evie said reminded her much of her own wedding), they had picked out a simple dress from Amhuinn's repertoire which could quickly be modified to fit a wedding. The dress had originally been a deep bronze. Lacking the traditional panniers, laces or pleats for a wedding, the women in the Keep had instead sewed on the MacKenzie clan kilt around the waist just below the bodice, and then fashioned the kilt that was draped over Amhuinn's left shoulder, pinned to her shoulder and then secured at the waist area. The traditional MacKenzie colors of maroon, white and dark brown contrasted beautifully with the deep bronze. As Gillian and Evie stepped back, Amhuinn flushed when she saw that they both wore a smile.
"Let's go then, my brither must be anxious to see his bride."
---
Hammond had to say, Amhuinn was giving him more jitters then he's ever remembered anyone giving him before. Even with Amelia, it had been more excitement then jitters, just like a young boy going through his first crush. As a child, Hammond had never had much time to entertain idea's of love, marriage and having a family. He had been busy first being trained to be a heir, and then after his parent's death, been too busy ensuring the clan still thrived and his sister's upbringing. With Amelia, it was a breathe of fresh air.
With Amhuinn however, it was a whole different side of it.
Amhuinn made him want to do things he's never thought of doing before. The blonde made him worry over her, gave him the need to see her smile, a surge of protectiveness he's never felt before over anyone else was suddenly brought to the forefront of his attention whenever it had to do with the blonde who walked with her uneven gait.
When Father Simmons had arrived that morning, the pastor had been surprised but pleased that Hammond was finally getting married. He had wandered over to check on the preparations of the wedding feast he was to serve his clan in the Great Hall after their wedding on the hillock, and went through the protective measures he had erected around the Keep, for he still feared a sudden retribution attack by Dougal MacCallan. But even after all of that, when he checked with Mrs. Griselda, all he got was a "Patience, lad." from his housekeeper.
How long was a man supposed to wait in patience for his bride?
"Ye sure, brother?" Connor's voice made him turn around, and then smile when he saw his best friend and first-in-command.
"What, are ye trying to talk me oot of it?" he responded with a laugh. Connor's laughter merely sparkled in his dark eyes.
"Ye always told me love was fer fools. I ne'er expected ter see ye at the altar." Connor replied.
Hammond paused. Love? Did he love his bride? Amhuinn woke feelings he had never thought he would have within him, and he definitely desired the blonde haired female. He was enraged at the idea of anyone harming a single hair on her head, and would do whatever it takes to protect her. But... what if the day came when he would have to choose between his clan and her? Would her departure affect him as well? His father's example when his mother had passed was something Hammond did not want a repeat of.
He was saved from answering however, when a clatter of feet was quickly followed by someone tugging on the thick garters, worn just below his pleated and belted kilt of his clan colors. Looking down in surprise and distracted from Connor's question, Hammond's look went from questioning to mild amusement when he saw Adair's curious upturned face, as he stood next to him surrounded by his newly made friends.
"Laird?" came his voice, still slightly cautious. But it was easy to see where Adair got his daring attitude from.
"Yes, lad? Are ye nae supposed ter be helping Mrs. O'Leary bring oot the dishes?" Hammond bent down to be at the young boy's eye level.
Adair nodded earnestly. "I was. We're done. Mrs. O'Leary says we could go oot now and watch the proceedings. Do ye think it's alright if we watched it from the lawn?"
"Do ye nae want ter be at yer mither's own ceremony?" he tried his luck. While Amhuinn had tucked him back in bed after he had spent the whole day rejoining his friends in their page boy tasks, Hammond knew there was still a barrier between mother and son from four years of separation. When he had brought up Amhuinn as his mother, Adair averted his eyes, and shuffled backwards, as if unsure of his answer. Hammond looked up at his first-in-command, who shrugged and then bent down himself.
"Tell ye what. I'll need some strong, brawy lads ter be my eyes during the ceremony. Why don't ye few come along with me, so Mrs. Griselda can straighten ye lads up ter be my personal page boys during the ceremony?" Connor suggested, winking at Hammond, who smiled.
The boys immediately brightened at the idea, a chorus of 'aye-s' going up, and before long, Connor was herding the four boys away. Watching the dark-haired commander look so at home with four young boys, a warmth spread in Hammond's heart. At least, Connor got the joy he deserved. His commander has had a tough life, but Evie has returned the smile to his face, and for that, Hammond was happy enough.
Before his thoughts could linger further, Gillian came running up to him. Immediately, his thoughts turned once again to his bride, but his sister apparently knew him better then he thought. "She's ready, but ye need ter get ready at the hillock, Hammond. Let's go." Gillian said the moment she arrived. "Tamhas will bring yer bride ter ye, quickly now."
Hammond had wanted to at least take a look and speak a few words with Amhuinn before his ceremony, but he was powerless against Gillian, and soon ascended the hillside to where his closest clansmen were scattered. He could see Father Simmons standing at the alter under the wooden archway twined with flowers, speaking with Connor and Evie. The four page boys Connor had herded away now stood alert and attentive at the side of the wooden arch, eyes watchful. Adair's eyes occasionally darted to the side of the hillock where people walked up, but otherwise he tried to appear unaffected by the festivities.
As they walked up, Gillian appeared unable to help herself fussing over her brother's dressing. He wore a deep maroon Scottish doublet, the color not very much different from Gillian's own dress, for that was their clan's colors. The doublet he wore was embroidered with silver lining, held together with gold buttons wrought in filligree. Belted at his waist was the clan's official plaid, and his legs were covered in the thick woolen garters. The belt itself was decorated with gold plates and more filligree, along with the clan's crest in the middle. Their lands flourished, and in turn so did the coffers of the MacKenzie lands. While Hammond did not flaunt their wealth, his sister had reminded him too often that he had to dress as the laird that he was. Not that Hammond heeded her advice, which was why he only took out his formal outfit whenever there was an occasion.
"Och, Gilly. Our clansmen will think I canna take care of myself. I dressed fine, would ye leave me be?" he finally muttered as they neared the arch, and Gillian straightened his neck cloth for the fifth time.
Hearing his irritation, Gillian finally took her hands back and gave a chuckle. "Sorry brother, but tis just nerves."
Hammond raises his brows in amusement. "Ye have nerves? Ye are nae the one getting married."
"Tis true, but tis my brother whom I thought had sworn off marriage fer life. I have to say, I am relieved. I thought I would have ter take care of ye for life." Gillian laughed as she teased.
"Insolent child." Hammond mock scowled, before he laughed. "I dinna need ter be babysitted Gilly. I would ne'er have asked ye ter stay if ye found happiness elsewhere."
"I know. But I would feel terrible if ye are left alone here. Nae, ye deserve yer happiness too, brother." Gillian tenderly replied, before she left to stand to the side, and silence fell across the chattering crowd.
In that silence, he knew his bride had arrived.
And sure enough, the handful of people gathered on the hillock parted like the sea, to reveal the lady who so often haunted his thoughts.
Her arm was linked with Tamhas, the elder one himself dressed in a brown doublet with black buttons, similar garters and the MacKenzie plaid belted to his waist with a black belt. But it was Amhuinn whose figure Hammond's eyes found themselves glued to.
It was nothing like the weddings of splendor he's had to attend as the laird of the MacKenzie clan before. Those were of pomp, money and pride. But even in her plain and simple elegance, Amhuinn still managed to take is breathe away. From the way she tried and failed to keep her gait simple, to the way in which she wore his clan colors, proudly and happily. She already looked like she was at home, and when Tamhas finally handed her to his upturned palm with a warning look, her warm hand in his felt like the most right thing in the world.
"I welcome everyone here today to witness the joining in marriage of Mistress Amhuinn, and the Laird Hammond MacKenzie of the clan MacKenzie..."
As Father Simmons started his sermon and ceremony, Hammond couldn't resist leaning over to whisper in Amhuinn's ears. "Ye look beautiful, Ammi."
He smiled when she flushed, and flashed him a look from the corner of her eye. "Hush. We're supposed ter be listening ter yer....?" she trailed off when she realized she didn't know the name of the pastor presiding over their ceremony.
"Father Simmons. He officiated Connor and Evie's marriage. He often travels here. Hamish used to travel with him." Hammond explained, referring to the bard within their clan. A light dawned on Amhuinn's eyes, before she raised a finger and mockingly glared at him. "Hush."
Hammond chuckled, but couldn't take his eyes away from her, until he heard his name being called. "Laird? Repeat after me."
"Oh! Right! I... I apologize." he muttered. He paused, and then turned to Amhuinn. "Shall we repeat it together?"
Father Simmons blinked in surprise when he heard that, having never heard of the husband and wife repeating the vows together before. When he stared for clarification at Hammond, the redhead explained. "Tis ter show that Ammi and I stand together, as partners and nae just as husband and wife. Ter show that in everything I do, we do, we do together as equals, and that there is nae such thing in oor marriage as the husband having the power in all the decision."
At his declaration, Amhuinn's knees would've gone weak had her pride not been stronger then her willpower. But to have Hammond declare them as equals instead of just as husband and wife, sparked an even stronger love for the man she had decided to marry. For in essence, it was a declaration from him to respect any and all decision made by her, and that he would not wield any form of power over her. Her eyes watered, but she held her breathe to hold in her tears, and merely smiled at Hammond with glassy eyes.
"Are ye in agreement, Mistress Amhuinn?" Father Simmons asked to clarify. With a choked up throat and fearing her voice may break, Amhuinn only could nod as she worked to swallow the lump in her throat.
"Alright then. Both of ye place yer hands together, and repeat after me." the pastor waited as Amhuinn and Hammond joined both their hands together, and then spoke. "I accept ye in marriage, ter have and ter hold from this day forward. All that I am I give ter ye, all that I have, I share with ye. I promise ter love and ter cherish, ter hold and ter be loyal, from this day forward, today and always."
Placing the hand he held in his right palm on his left, he gripped both of her hands in one, and reached to the pocket of his doublet. Hammond had limited time to get this done, but he was adamant about doing this right, and as such had went to the nearest town and breathed down the blacksmith's neck until he got it done just in time for him to return. Hammond pulled his hand out from the pocket, and proceeded to slip a band over Amhuinn's finger, catching the blonde off guard.
The ring was nothing fantastic, a simple circular design with a small black, unpolished maracsite set in the middle of it. When she asked later, Hammond would explain to her that every generation of MacKenzie would have a maracsite stone given to them. His was embedded within the dagger he carried in his boot everywhere, whereas Evie's was a pendant, and Gillian wore hers on her bracelet. But what made Amhuinn treasure the ring more, were the decorations in filligree forming the words 'ceann milis', which was turning into Hammond's favorite pet name for her.
She stared at it for a while longer as the rest of the clansmen cheered at the back, and turned an upturned smile at Hammond, mild disbelief clear in her blue eyes. In turn, Hammond smiled as he pulled her in and enveloped her in his embrace, as Father Simmons wrapped up the ceremony.
"Ye have both made the promise and declaration, a solemn and binding oath with each other. May ye always love, cherish and honor each other. May nothing e'er part ye and may ye live full and rich lives together. And now, by the virtue and declarations made by ye both, and witnessed by me and your clansmen, it is my privilege and pleasure to declare ye both married."
A loud cheer went up, but Amhuinn barely heard. All she heard was the roar or blood rushing to her face as Hammond tilted her face upwards and branded her lips as his.